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DAC suggestion for PC

Need some help deciding on which DAC to use with a few changes I will be making for my PC audio setup. Currently I am using a iFi Audio Zen DAC v2 connected by USB (and a Fosi Audio Tube amp). Right now I am using some PSB Image bookshelves (but I'll be changing these as well) and a Velodyne Subwoofer. 

The change I will be making, is I'm looking at changing my amp to a used Cambridge Audio CXA61 which has its own DAC. The Cambridge has the ESS Sabre ES9010 DAC model. If this isn't a better DAC, then I'll look at the Cambridge Audio AXR85 instead which doesnt come with a DAC instead and keep the zen dac.

My questions are the following:

1. Is the CXA61 dac better than the Zen DAC v2? It would be nice to eliminate an extra piece of equipment.

2. Might be a bit out of my budget, but how much of an upgrade would the CXA81 with the ESS Sabre ES9016 DAC be? Is it worth paying the extra?

From what I understand, the model of the DAC alone doesnt tell the whole story, but how the unit is built and setup around it that also matters. Hence why I am looking for some feedback as Ive never compared or auditioned them with an A/B comparison. Thanks

skads_187
lanx0003
821 posts
 

@jheppe815  what is the very high-quality USB cable, do you mind? Thx.

When I started this whole computer audio thing, I went from a $6 printer USB cable to a cheap name brand USB cable and finally to a very high-quality USB cable and it made a world of difference each time I upgraded. It was most noticeable in the low frequencies.

buellrider97
387 posts
 

I ran a laptop to a Schiit Bifrost. I started with a printer cable. Then an Audioquest Cinnamon and then a Cardas Clear. The cable made a huge difference. I then switched to a Schiit Yiggy and the laptop. Finally added a Project streamer. Everything makes a difference, but the cable was a big difference especially at your price point. Also try to go with a separate dac. 

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 

@jheppe815 

Thank You! I am very happy with the build and the the music that it makes.

jheppe815
64 posts
 

@lanx0003 - I should rephrase my statement by saying, "and finally went to a higher quality USB cable".  I am using an Audio Quest Carbon USB-A to USB-B cable.  There are certainly higher quality cables than what I'm using, so my apologies for the poor phrasing. 

Each step up in USB cables made a difference for me.

skads_187 OP
20 posts
 

@milpai Correct I am using directly from my PC, sitting in front of the screen. I should have mentioned from the beginning, this is my office desk setup. 

Fidelizer could be very interesting. What about using the Roon app on pc, does that help any?

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